Winemaker Notes
The classic pairing is lamb; even better if it’s Patagonian lamb!
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Cropped from an almost perfect growing season when the grapes ripened slowly, the 2016 Noemía is pure Malbec from one single plot of vines planted in 1932 and comes through as aromatic, floral, perfumed, open, showy and impressive. They used 25% full clusters (higher than in the past) for the vinification this year, and the wine matured in Darnajou oak demi-muids for a shorter amount of time than ever before—just 15 months—when it used to have an élevage of 18 months or longer. This is the result of winemaker Hans Vinding Diers now living on the property and following up on the vineyard and wine every day. It's open, impressive and captivating from minute one—as soon as I put my nose in the glass, I had to smile. The palate is elegant with refined tannins, bright fruit and subtle minerality, nicely textured. It's super tasty and elegant, with less alcohol than ever, yet it has not lost any of its clout and is still powerful and seems to have all that is needed for a nice, long life in bottle. This was bottled earlier than other vintages. It has to be one of the finest vintages of Noemía to date.
Rating: 97+ -
James Suckling
Fascinating aromas of blackberries, hot stones, fresh herbs, coffee and hints of strawberries. Subtle and complex. Medium to full body with a very refined texture and fine-grained tannins. It builds on the palate as you taste it. Harmonious and focused. A pretty sensibility and savoriness, driving you back for another sip. Drink or hold.
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Wine Spectator
Suave and refined, with a seductive minerality to the rich red plum, dark currant and black olive flavors. The finish is loaded with luscious dark chocolate and spicy notes. Drink now through 2024.
Celebrated for its bold flavors and supple texture, Malbec has enjoyed runaway success in Argentina since the late 20th century. The grape originated in Bordeaux, France, where it historically contributed color and tannin to blends. A French agronomist, who saw great potential for the variety in Mendoza’s hot, high-altitude landscape, brought Malbec to Argentina in 1868. Somm Secret—If you’re trying to please a crowd, Malbec is generally a safe bet with its combination of dense fruit and soft tannins.
One of the most southerly regions on the globe for fine wine production, Patagonia has experienced extraordinary vineyard expansion since the early 2000s.
Patagonia vineyards occupy the lower foothills of the Andes at 1,000 to 1,600 feet. Here cold air drops at night from incredibly steep elevations—the Andes reach well over 15,000 feet in this zone—a phenomenon that produces drastic diurnal shifts. Cold nights contrasted with hot summer days produce grapes with striking color, full ripeness, great finesse and aromatic intensity.
Favored for its luxury brands, the Patagonia wine growing region of Argentina focuses on a diverse array of international varieties: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillón and Viognier among the white grapes, and Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon for reds.